Creosote Bleed Protection For Wooden Utility Poles
Long Lasting Protection
Seals In Creosote
CLEAN, SAFE & RELIABLE PROTECTION WHILST USING CREOSOTE
Creosote treated utility poles are valued for their strength and long service life, but over time, creosote can migrate to the pole surface. This results in a sticky, dark residue that can stain surrounding materials and pose health and safety risks to people and animals who come into contact with it.
Polesaver Bleed-Guard™ provides a simple, cost-effective, and reliable way to manage this issue. Designed for rapid on-site installation, Bleed-Guard™ forms a robust physical barrier around the pole, preventing contact with surface creosote and helping to maintain a clean, safe environment around the installation.
WHY DO CREOSOTE TREATED POLES BLEED?
Creosote is a preservative that protects wooden utility poles against fungal decay and insect attack. Over time, some creosote can migrate to the surface, a process known as bleeding. Common causes include:
Heat & Sunlight
High temperatures can cause the creosote to soften and seep out.
Moisture Changes
Rain, condensation, or fluctuating humidity can push creosote to the surface.
Aging Of The Pole
Natural drying and cracking of the wood allows creosote to escape.
Hazards of Creosote Bleed
Once creosote reaches the surface, it’s difficult to control and temporary cleaning only delays the problem.
Health risks
Direct contact can irritate skin and eyes; prolonged exposure may be harmful.
Environment DAMAGE
Creosote residue can stain soil, pavements, and nearby structures.
Public safety concerns
Poles located in residential or high-traffic areas increase the likelihood of human contact with hazardous residue.
Maintenance challenges
Regular cleaning or replacement of contaminated areas is costly and time-consuming.
WHY BLEED-GUARD™?
Once creosote reaches the surface, it’s difficult to control, and temporary cleaning only delays the problem. The Polesaver creosote bleed protection kit provides a durable, long-term solution by sealing creosote in before it becomes a hazard.
Tough, impermeable outer barrier
Prevents physical contact with surface creosote.
Absorbent hessian inner layer
Captures and contains migrating creosote.
Fire performance
Meets BS476 Part 6 (Class 0), Part 7 (Class 1), and Part 20/22 (120 minutes).
Durable design
UV-stable, weather-resistant, and built for long service life.
Fast installation
Fits securely on-site in minutes with an industrial stapler.
Flexible sizing
Medium for poles up to 14" (35cm) diameter, Large up to 18" (45cm); custom sizes available.
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To learn more about how Bleed-Guard™ can benefit your utility get in touch with us today
Polesaver manufactures and supplies guaranteed products that are proven to maximise utility pole lifespan. With millions of Rot-Guard™ sleeves supplied to date, our patented ground-line barrier sleeves have been proven in volume use since 1994.
*Polesaver uses long term independent test data on the effectiveness of barrier sleeves and fire protection fabric to reach all the conclusions given on this website (test data available on request). Based on this data, Polesaver believes longer life, maintenance of strength over time, improved safety and reliability, extended inspection periods and reduced maintenance requirements are reasonable claims. This is subject to Polesaver products being correctly applied as per our instructions and used on correctly preservative treated (for long term in-ground use - Use Class 4 or higher) wooden utility poles that are free of decay at the time of sleeve application. The claims made, real or implied are not warranties. It is the responsibility of the user to evaluate and satisfy themselves that the performance of the product meets their specific safety, reliability, extended inspection, repair and any other performance or cost-benefit criteria before using Polesaver sleeves or fire protection fabric.
